Plasterboard Panel for Access to a Compartment

ABSTRACT

In a plasterboard panel a first plasterboard sheet has an opening delimited by a first outer zone of the first sheet; a second plasterboard sheet forms a door which can be connected to the opening in the first sheet, the second plasterboard sheet comprising a second outer zone delimiting the door. The panel also comprises holding means for stably connecting the door to the opening. The first outer zone is tapered transversally to the plane in which the panel lies and narrows from a first flat surface of the first sheet to a second flat surface of the first sheet opposite the first flat surface. The second outer zone is tapered transversally to the plane in which the panel lies and narrows from a first flat surface of the second sheet to a second flat surface of the second sheet opposite the first flat surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a plasterboard panel for access to acompartment.

In particular, according to a first aspect, the present invention isintended for a plasterboard panel for access to a compartment of thetype comprising a first plasterboard sheet having a first flat surfaceand a second flat surface opposite the first. This first plasterboardsheet, having an opening extending between the first and the second flatsurfaces, comprises a first outer zone, delimiting the opening, whichextends at least partly in the same plane as the first flat surface. Theplasterboard panel also comprises a second plasterboard sheet having afirst flat surface and a second flat surface opposite the first, forminga door which can be connected to the opening in the first sheet. Thesecond plasterboard sheet comprises a second outer zone delimiting thedoor. Moreover, the plasterboard panel is equipped with holding meansfor stably connecting the door to the opening, for a door closedconfiguration, and for at least partly removing the door from theopening, for a door open configuration.

BACKGROUND ART

These types of plasterboard panels are normally used to allow access toa compartment by removing or moving the door formed by the second sheet.

In this way, inside the compartment, which may for example be a cavitybetween two walls, there may be any device, such as an electrical panel,a local vent, and other devices, which requires periodic or impromptuadjustments, repairs or other operations.

Moreover, the access panels in the prior art briefly described openoutwards, that is to say, on the side opposite the compartment, makinguse of the above-mentioned holding means.

If the door in the access panels were to open into the compartment, thespace needed for door movement could not be used by the device containedin the compartment.

The prior art includes a plurality of different holding means, to allowdoor outward opening.

In particular, access panels are known in which the door and the firstsheet are joined together by hinges located on external portions of thepanel, that is to say, on portions of the panel which, when panelinstallation is complete, are not facing the compartment.

Because they are made of plasterboard, the prior art panels for accessto a' compartment allow surface finishing machining which integratesvery well with the walls forming the compartment and on which the accesspanel is installed.

It is quite desirable that, when the door is in the closed position, thedoor lies in the same plane as the sheet having the access opening,without unevenness in the plane formed by the wall on which the accesspanel is installed.

For this purpose, access panels are known which have stop elements forthe door. The stop elements are located on an internal portion of thefirst sheet, that is to say on the surface of the first sheet directlyfacing the compartment, so that, when it is in the closed position, thedoor rests against the stop elements, remaining in a predeterminedposition.

The prior art includes a plurality of solutions for joining the edges ofthe door and the edges of the opening in the first sheet.

From a structural viewpoint, said plurality of solutions may be tracedback to a single general solution.

In particular, said general solution involves the closing doors havingedges perpendicular to the plane formed by the sheet which forms thedoor itself. These edges correspond to opening edges perpendicular tothe first sheet, that is to say, to the sheet in which the opening ismade.

Also known is the use of profiles and counter-profiles, both internal orexternal, applied to the edges of the opening and/or to the edges of thepanel to avoid creating gaps between the door and the opening edge. Theshape and position of such profiles and counter-profiles forms theabove-mentioned plurality of solutions.

The Applicant has found that several aspects of prior art plasterboardpanels for access to a compartment.

The prior art plasterboard panels for access to a compartment aresubject to damage in the portion with the edges of the door and theedges of the sheet on which the access opening is made, compromisingpanel functionality.

This disadvantage is due to the fact that the right angle edges of thedoor and of the opening tend to collide every time the door is closed,particularly after prolonged use of the access panel.

Due to the low tolerances between the door and the opening, needed toprevent the formation of gaps, a small error in the movement forreinserting the door in the opening is enough to cause interferencebetween the edges of the door and of the opening as the door is closed.This movement error becomes inevitable after prolonged use of the door.For example, when the door is hinged to the edges of the opening, sincethe door is made of plasterboard subjected to a high weight forceresting on the hinges forming the axis of rotation, over time a slightmisalignment of the axis of rotation between the door and the openingbecomes inevitable.

Moreover, in the prior art access panels it is practically impossible toreduce the presence of gaps between the door and the opening to zerowithout using stop profiles and counter-profiles, since, given thefinished thickness of the door and of the sheet on which the opening ismade, any relative movement of the door and the opening requires atolerance between the door dimensions and the opening dimensions inorder to operate, for example to be able to guarantee door rotationrelative to the opening.

This requirement means that the prior art plasterboard panels for accessto a compartment are very complex to make.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In this context, the main technical need of the present invention is topropose a plasterboard panel for access to a compartment which is freeof the above-mentioned disadvantages.

In particular, the aim of the present invention is to provide aplasterboard panel for access to a compartment without gaps between thedoor and the opening.

Another aim of the present invention is to propose a plasterboard panelfor access to a compartment which, even after prolonged used, maintainsits functionality unchanged.

The technical need indicated and the aims specified are substantiallyachieved by a plasterboard panel for access to a compartment comprisingthe technical features described in one or more of the claims herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention are moreapparent in the detailed description below, with reference to apreferred, non-restricting, embodiment of a plasterboard panel foraccess to a compartment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plasterboard panel for access to acompartment according to the present invention in a first operatingconfiguration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the panel illustrated in FIG. 1 in asecond operating configuration;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section according to the plane III-III of the panelillustrated FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the panelillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a plasterboard panel foraccess to a compartment, seen from the inside of the compartment andillustrating an alternative embodiment of the means for holding a doorin the closed configuration; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the plasterboard panel illustrated in FIG.5 according to the plane IV-IV in FIG. 5, but in which the door is shownin the open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the numeral 1 denotes a plasterboardpanel for access to a compartment.

With reference also to FIG. 3, the plasterboard panel 1 comprises afirst plasterboard, sheet 2 having a first flat surface 3 and a secondflat surface 4 opposite the first 3. The first plasterboard sheet 2,having an opening 5 extending between the first and the second flatsurfaces 3, 4, comprises an outer zone 6 which delimits the opening 5and which extends at least partly in the same plane as the first flatsurface 3. The panel 1 also comprises a second plasterboard sheet 7having a first flat surface 8 and a second flat surface 9 opposite thefirst 8, forming a door 10 which can be connected to the opening 5 inthe first sheet 2. The second plasterboard sheet 7 comprises a secondouter zone 11 delimiting the door 10.

The panel 1 comprises holding means 12 for stably connecting the door 10to the opening 5, for a door 10 closed configuration (for example,illustrated in FIG. 1). The holding means 12 also have the function ofallowing the door 10 to be at least partly removed from the opening 5,for a door 10 open configuration (for example, illustrated in FIG. 2).

When the door 10 is in the closed configuration, as illustrated in FIG.1, the first flat surface 3 of the first sheet 2 and the first flatsurface 8 of the second plasterboard sheet 7 lie in the same plane.

To pass from the door closed configuration to the door 10 openconfiguration, the door 10 must be turned or removed relative to theopening 5 from the opposite side to the compartment, that is to say,towards the outside of the compartment.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the outer zone 6 is flared transversally tothe plane in which the panel 1 lies and narrows from the first flatsurface 3 of the first sheet 2 to the second flat surface 4 of the firstsheet 2. At the same time, the second outer zone 11 is flaredtransversally to the plane in which the panel 1 lies and narrows fromthe first flat surface 8 to the second flat surface 9 of the secondsheet 7.

In particular, the first outer zone 6 comprises first outer edges 13facing the opening 5, whose inclination relative to the plane in whichthe panel 1 lies forms the flaring of the first outer zone 6. Similarly,the second outer zone 11 comprises second outer edges 14 extendingaround the outside of the door 10 and whose inclination relative to theplane in which the panel 1 lies forms the flaring of the second outerzone 11.

Advantageously, a portion of the first flat surface 3 of the first sheet2 extends without interruption forming at least the first outer edges13. Similarly, a portion of the first flat surface 8 of the second sheet7 extends without interruption forming at least the second outer edges14.

In more detail, the first and second flat surfaces 3, 4 of the firstsheet 2, like the first and second flat surfaces 8, 9 of the secondsheet 7, are made of board layers 30, 80. Between two respective boardlayers there is a sheet of gypsum plaster, so that the assembly of boardlayers and gypsum plaster sheet forms the typical plasterboardstructure.

Advantageously, the first outer edges 13 of the opening 5 and the secondouter edges 14 of the door 10 are covered with board layers 30, 80,preventing the opening 5 or the door 10 from having gypsum plaster partsin direct contact. Moreover, advantageously, if the board layers 30, 80extend without interruption respectively from the first flat surface 3of the first sheet 2 to the first outer edges 13 and from the first flatsurface 8 of the second sheet 7 to the second outer edges 14, thisprovides simply an extension without interruption of the first surface 3of the first sheet 2 and of the first surface 8 of the second sheet 7respectively to the first and second outer edges 13, 14.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first outer zone 6 comprises an extensionof the first plasterboard sheet 2 projecting into the opening 5, whichcan be suitably folded on the second flat surface 4 of the first sheet2, in particular in contact with the later, as illustrated in FIG. 3.The presence of the extension of the first sheet 2 forms a first framein the first outer zone 6 (especially if the extension is folded incontact on the second flat surface 4 of the first sheet 2).

Similarly, the second outer zone 11 comprises an extension of the secondplasterboard sheet 7 located on the opposite side to the first flatsurface 8 of the second sheet 7. Said extension can be suitably foldedon the second flat surface 9 of the second sheet 7, in particular incontact with the latter, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The presence of theextension of the second sheet 7 forms a second frame in the second outerzone 11 (particularly if the extension is folded in contact on thesecond flat surface 9 of the second sheet 7).

The flaring of the first outer zone 6 is formed by a first portioninclined at a constant angle A between the first flat surface 3 of thefirst sheet 2 and the first outer edge 13.

The flaring of the second outer zone 11 is formed by a second portioninclined at a constant angle B between the first flat surface 8 of thesecond sheet 7 (and, therefore, of the door 10) and the second outeredge 14.

The flaring of the first and second outer zones 6, 11 is such that theyare shaped to match one another, allowing perfect door 10 closing on theopening 5. In particular, the first and second angles A, B aresupplementary to one another, that is to say, the sum of the absolutevalue of the first angle A and the absolute value of the second angle Bis 180°.

In the preferred embodiment, the first angle A has an amplitude ofbetween 30[deg.] and 80[deg.], preferably 60°.

Obviously, the dimensions of the door 10 are such that they allowperfect insertion and perfect closing of the opening 5.

To guarantee stable operating connection of the door 10 to the opening 5and, at the same time, the possibility of the door 10 passing betweenthe open configuration and the closed configuration, as indicated, thepanel 1 comprises holding means 12.

In detail, the holding means 12 comprise anchoring means 15 activebetween the door 10 and the first outer zone 6. Said anchoring means 15,which in the preferred embodiment are magnetic, are designed to anchorthe door 10 to the first sheet 2 when the door 10 is in the closedconfiguration. In the preferred embodiment, the anchoring means 15comprise at least one magnet 16, preferably two, stably housed in thesecond outer zone 11 and facing the opening 5. With the door 10 closed,the magnet 16 acts on ferromagnetic strikers 17 fixed to the first outerzone 6 and at least partly projecting into the opening 5.

As is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, the holding means 12 alsocomprise at least one hinge 18, preferably of the recessed type, actingbetween the first edges 13 of the opening 5 and the second edges 14 ofthe door 10. The hinge 18 is designed to guide the door 10 between theopen and closed configurations.

The panel 1 also comprises at least one lock 20, acting between the door10 and the first sheet 2 when the door 10 is in the closedconfiguration. Advantageously, the lock 20 may be a button lock or a keylock. Advantageously, a key lock prevents unauthorised users fromaccessing the compartment.

It should be noticed that, depending on requirements, the holding means12 may comprise both the hinge 18 and the anchoring means 15, or justthe anchoring means 15, or just the hinge 18.

In one embodiment of the invention, in particular illustrated in FIGS. 5and 6, one or more hinges 18 are fixed to the first sheet 2 (preferablyon an upper side of the opening 5, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6) andare connected to the door 10 using shaped brackets 180 which allow thedoor 10 to open without the door interfering with the first outer edge13 of the first sheet 2. Telescopic cylinders 181 (for example,containing fluid, in particular gas) have a first end 182 hinged to thedoor 10 (advantageously on the extension of the second outer zone 11 ifpresent, when the latter is folded on and makes contact with the secondflat surface 9 of the second sheet 7) and a second end 183 hinged to thefirst sheet 2 (at the first outer edge 13 and advantageously on theextension of the first outer edge 6 if present, when the latter isfolded on and makes contact with the second flat surface 4 of the firstsheet 2). The axes of rotation of the first and second ends 182, 183 ofthe telescopic cylinders 181 are parallel with the axis of rotationformed by the hinges 18. This structure can also allow the door 10 toopen by tilting upwards and this open configuration to be stablymaintained without effort by the user thanks to the resistance offeredby the telescopic cylinders 181 when they are of the fluid type (inparticular, containing gas). The arrows in FIG. 6 illustrate themovements of the various parts in the door 10 as it passes between theclosed and the open configurations.

In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the panel 1 has the form of aventilation grille.

In particular, in this embodiment, the door 10 comprises a plurality ofslits 19 extending between the board layers covering the door 10, thatis to say between the first and the second flat surfaces 8, 9 of thesecond sheet 7.

The slits 19, preferably equidistant, allow the passage of an air flowbetween the compartment closed by the door 10 and the environmentoutside the compartment. The slits may be closed by a light layer ofmaterial permeable to air or by a dust filter.

The present invention achieves the preset aims.

The first and second tapered frames create a connection between the doorand the opening in the first plasterboard sheet which is free of gaps.

Moreover, operation of the door remains unchanged even after prolongeduse, since, even after a minimum movement of the hinge axis of rotation,the connection between the door and the opening is accomplished withoutinterference between the two parts.

The tapering of the frames allows progressive engagement between thedoor and the opening.

1. A plasterboard panel for access to a compartment comprising: a firstplasterboard sheet having a first flat surface and a second flat surfaceopposite the first flat surface; the first plasterboard sheet having anopening extending between the first flat surface and the second flatsurface; the first plasterboard sheet also comprising a first outer zonedelimiting the opening, extending at least partly in the same plane asthe first flat surface; a second plasterboard sheet having a first flatsurface and a second flat surface opposite the first flat surface,forming a door which can be connected to the opening in the first sheet;the second plasterboard sheet comprising a second outer zone delimitingthe door; holding means for stably connecting the door to the opening,for a door closed configuration, and for at least partly removing thedoor from the opening, for a door open configuration; the door closedconfiguration forming a single plane between the first flat surface ofthe first plasterboard sheet and the first flat surface of the secondplasterboard sheet; the panel being characterised in that: the firstouter zone is tapered transversally to the plane in which the panel liesand narrows from the first flat surface to the second flat surface ofthe first sheet; the second outer zone is tapered transversally to theplane in which the panel lies and narrows from the first flat surface tothe second flat surface of the second sheet.
 2. The panel according toclaim 1, wherein the first outer zone comprises first outer edges facingthe opening of the first sheet and the second outer zone comprisessecond outer edges around the outside of the door; the tapering of thefirst outer zone being formed by a portion inclined at a first constantangle formed between the first flat surface of the first sheet and thefirst edge; the tapering of the second outer zone being formed by aportion inclined at a second constant angle formed between the firstflat surface of the door and the second edge.
 3. The panel according toclaim 2, wherein the first angle and the second angle are supplementaryangles.
 4. The panel according to claim 2, wherein a portion of thefirst flat surface of the first sheet extends without interruptionforming at least the first outer edges and wherein a portion of thefirst flat surface of the second sheet extends without interruptionforming at least the second outer edges.
 5. The panel according to claim1, comprising at least one lock acting between the door and the firstsheet in the door closed configuration.
 6. The panel according to claim1, wherein the holding means comprise anchoring means, acting betweenthe door and the first outer zone.
 7. The panel according to claim 2,wherein the holding means comprise at least one hinge, acting betweenthe first edges of the first outer zone and the second edges of thesecond outer zone.
 8. The panel according to claim 2, wherein theholding means comprise: at least one hinge fixed; to the first sheet atthe opening and connected to the door by at least one shaped bracketwhich allows the door to open without interfering with the first outeredges of the first outer zone; at least one telescopic cylinder having afirst end hinged to the door and a second end hinged to the first sheet;the axes of rotation of the first and second ends of the telescopiccylinder being parallel with the axis of rotation formed by the hinge.9. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the door comprises aplurality of through-slits forming a ventilation grille.
 10. The panelaccording to claim 1, wherein the first outer zone is formed by anextension of the first plasterboard sheet projecting in the opening toform a first frame.
 11. The panel according to claim 10, wherein theextension of the first sheet is folded on the second flat surface of thefirst sheet.
 12. The panel according to claim 11, wherein the extensionof the first sheet is in contact with the second flat surface of thefirst sheet.
 13. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the secondouter zone is formed by an extension of the second plasterboard sheet toform a second frame.
 14. The panel according to claim 13, wherein theextension of the second sheet is folded on the second flat surface ofthe second sheet.
 15. The panel according to claim 14, wherein theextension of the second sheet is in contact with the second flat surfaceof the second sheet. 16-26. (canceled)